One of the things that makes family heirlooms so special are the stories they collect over time. Objects give us the ability to recall adventures that have been told and retold, or spark the memory they carry. Cherished items often cross oceans, countries, and generations to create their stories, probably with a few scratches and bumps along the way. It’s as if these treasures traveled down the branches of our family tree and ended up in our living rooms.

Perfectly painted drywall or plaster has a clean, easy aesthetic in homes and studios. Its versatility allows color schemes to change effortlessly. The charm and personality in rooms with enclosed walls comes from the pieces that fill the space, rather than the walls themselves. But exposed brick is full of character on its own. Whether it’s a section of wall or a whole room of brick, the historic feel of exposed brick gives a room a commanding statement. Less art and extras are needed in a space beautifully featuring brick. It’s a wow factor that doesn’t need much else. These 10 rooms show off how brick can be incorporated impeccably well in different design styles

The Olmsted family has no shortage of interests and activities they like to partake in; for Betsy it’s design and art, gardening (their neighborhood allows for supporting local farms and produce, too), yoga, and scoring vintage finds. Peter’s work is in energy policy and he is an advocate for sustainable energy and enjoys cycling and outdoor adventuring. Their seven-year-old, Emmett, loves nature (especially rocks and fossils at the moment) and animals. Last but not least, Wells loves track suits, costumes and his favorite gold high-tops. We can only imagine how much fun this family will have creating art and memories together in this inspiring space.